Name: Joanie Lopez
Community College: San Diego City College
UC San Diego College: Sixth
Major: U.S Latino/Latin American Literatures
Minor: Chicano/a and Latino/a Arts and Humanities
What advice would you give to transfers who are currently at community college?
They need to come to UC San Diego to check it out for themselves, and see what programs and resources are available for them and their major. When I applied, it was literally the night before the deadline. I learned about the Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program after I had gotten accepted and qualified. I suggest they talk to their counselors and take a trip here. Also, check to see which colleges qualify for the IGETC. In my college, I’m only required to take only 2 general education classes because of IGETC.
Why did you join PATH?
I joined because I was interested in the extra help for transfer students as well as the classes. I wanted to get a feel of what to expect, especially since time here goes by fast. In addition, both my major and minor fall under the arts and humanities.
How has the PATH program helped you?
PATH has helped me to be prepared for the course material in classes. If it wasn’t for those 2 classes we took, I would be stressing a lot right about now. I’ve learned to manage time and make friends in class to study together. Also, I’ve talked to my professors during their office hours without feeling intimidated.
What was your favorite part of the PATH program?
I loved that our group bonded. I actually have classes with several of PATH students, others I tend to see from time to time, or we catch up on social media. Overall, I enjoyed the classes, bonded well with the professors and TAs, as well as with the coordinators, and learned from my peers.
What was the hardest part of the PATH program?
For me, it was dealing with transportation. The early morning class was an issue for me. Luckily, I had a classmate pick me up at 7:00 a.m. to get to campus at 8:00 a.m., but if it wasn’t for her, I would have left from my house at 6:00 a.m. to get here by 8:00 a.m. At the time I had my manual chair, so it would have been harder for me to get to class on time.
What is your career goal? Why did you choose UC San Diego?
I want to teach literature at community college, and to become a professor. I also want to apply to the PhD program at UC San Diego.
When you are not in the classroom, what are you usually doing?
I’m an active member of 2 community grassroots organizations in Barrio Logan.